ARLINGTON, Texas — Left-hander Scott Kazmir is eligible to come off the DL on Monday. But don't look for the struggling left-hander to rejoin the Angels' rotation any time soon.

Kazmir picked up a ball for the first time in about 10 days Sunday, playing light catch. Kazmir had not thrown since experiencing weakness in the back of his shoulder during a bullpen session immediately following the All-Star break. He was placed on the DL with shoulder fatigue, retroactive to his most recent start (the 13-run debacle in Oakland on July 10).

Kazmir was supposed to resume throwing sooner and even throw a bullpen session during this weekend's series in Texas. But he underwent an MRI on Thursday during which dye was injected into his shoulder.

It will likely take two weeks for Kazmir to progress to long toss and possibly throw in a simulated game or rehab assignment before returning to the Angels' rotation.

"Hopefully, it won't be that long," Kazmir said. "It's not like I've been shut down for three weeks or something. I'll have a better idea after I throw off a mound again. The key is going to be how I come out of each step."

The Angels have no reason to hurry Kazmir – for reasons other than his 7-9 record and 6.92 ERA.

With two off days in the next eight days, the Angels could go without a fifth starter until their Aug. 9 game at home against the Kansas City Royals.

"We can look at a couple different scenarios," Angels manager Mike Scioscia said.

HOWIE AT FIRST

Looking to get both Alberto Callaspo and Maicer Izturis in the lineup, Scioscia started Howie Kendrick at first base Sunday for the first time since 2006.

"We have the depth to do that," Scioscia said. "Howie showed a couple years ago he can be adequate and do what he needs to do there.

"Nap (Mike Napoli) is obviously going to be in the mix. But we have some versatility we can tap into. I think it's going to be important to us to keep some offensive continuity."

Kendrick had never played the position before he was pressed into service at first base as a rookie in 2006 (following an injury to Darin Erstad). But he hadn't played there since that season and hadn't even taken fielding practice at the position since spring training before Scioscia suggested he take some ground balls at first base on Saturday.

"He said, 'Just in case.' Then I came in today and saw I was at first base," Kendrick said. "Having played there before helps me. I don't feel uncomfortable going over to first."

The new-look infield didn't help the Angels' offense. The four infielders (including shortstop Maicer Izturis) went a combined 1 for 15 with a single (by Kendrick) and a walk (by Izturis) in the loss to the Rangers Sunday.

NOTES

Former major leaguer Daniel Cabrera has been placed on the DL at Triple-A Salt Lake with triceps tendinitis. Since signing a minor-league deal with the Angels in May, Cabrera has pitched all of 24 2/3 innings (16 2/3 in Double-A and eight over two starts in Triple-A), showing the same control problems that blighted his major-league career. Cabrera, 29, allowed 17 runs on 19 hits and 14 walks. ... First baseman Paul McAnulty cleared waivers and was re-assigned to Triple-A Salt Lake where he is 4 for 14 in four games since returning.

MONDAY

The Angels have not announced a starter for Monday's series opener against the Red Sox. Right-hander Joel Pineiro (10-7, 4.18) was originally scheduled to start against Red Sox right-hander Clay Buchholz (10-5, 2.81) but could be replaced by newly acquired Dan Haren. Game time is 7:05 p.m. and it will be broadcast on Fox Sports West, KLAA/830 AM and KWKW/1330 AM in Spanish.

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